Irene Brought Out The Best

Of Many People

To the Editor:

Difficult circumstances often bring out the very best in people. Last week’s Tropical Storm Irene was one such occasion when, once again, Newtowners demonstrated their care and concern for each other and for the welfare of our community. Calls and offers of support came rolling in soon after the scope and scale of the impact was known. John Sweeney of Masonicare came unbidden to my office to offer respite and showers followed within minutes by the same offer from Newtown Youth Academy; Caraluzzi’s donated bottled water and ice worth thousands of dollars; Big Y arranged for additional deliveries of those products to supply our distribution efforts; Crystal Rock showed up with even more cases of water; Pat Caruso arranged for special “food” dumpsters in three locations; and Dunkin’ Donuts and Bagel Delite provided coffee and bagels.

Individuals, too, jumped right in with support and services. Notable among those persons are Pete Spanedda, Kathy Fetchick, Dave and Cynthia Broughton, Judy Vetare, Billy and Brian Ross, Roseanne and Jim Loring, Lisa and Bill Hart, Mark DeWolfe, Abby Kende, John and Tara Kortze, and so many more who showed up with kind words and a smile, knowing that my office was under siege trying to make right a situation that was becoming intolerable.

In closing, a special recognition of the outstanding efforts of town employees and emergency services. As always, fire companies, Newtown ambulance, and the police department were diligent in ensuring that safety concerns would be readily met. Ever calm and capable, Sue Marcinek and Carole Ross served as anchors in turbulent seas! And the public works staff — outstanding support from the director through to all the crew! And Maureen Will, Bill Halstead, Donna Culbert, Carol Mahoney, John Poeltl, Rob Sibley, Scott Sharlow — these folks consistently demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge, and disposition of true public servants. Social Services staff Ann Piccini and Ann Benore provided effective outreach to our most vulnerable citizens. Finally, a great big “Thank You” to the school department for opening up school buildings for sheltering, showering, and water distribution. The transportation department ensured that bus routes were checked for safety and the school custodian at Reed and the high school were absolutely terrific. How lucky we are, Newtown, to be served by so many outstanding employees and volunteers.

Finally, thank you Newtown Bee and Patch for your strong and effective efforts to inform our community. My access to your services helped tremendously in keeping our citizens as informed as possible during days of confusion and anxiety. 

E. Patricia Llodra

First Selectman

Town of Newtown

3 Primrose Street, Newtown                                   September 7, 2011